PIKO FOR FRANCE

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32354, 21 July 1970, Page 5

PIKO FOR FRANCE

(N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND. Ths champion three-year-old Plko will not race again in New Zealand. His American partowner, Mr N. B. Hunt, has bought the other half share from Mr 4 Robinson, of Matangi, for 325,000. Mr R. M. Lee, of Farmers’ Auctioneering Company. has handled the negotiations since Mr Hunt brought his half share in Plko last October. He said on Saturday he understood Plko would do his future racing in France.

‘ Mr Hunt is especially keen on racing his horses in France," said Mr Lee. "Most of the young stock he already has in New Zealand will eventually be taken to France.’’ Mr Lee said he had been contacted last Thursday by Mr J. Shannon, the Melbourne bloodstock agent who represents Mr Hunt in New Zealand and Australia.

In a telephone call from France, Mr Shannon instructed Mr Lee to exercise the longstanding option held on Plko subject to the horse’s passing a veterinary test. Pike was examined by a Matamata veterinary surgeon, Mr C. C. E. Thompson, and pronounced fit.

Jockeys’ Assn President

(N.Z. Press Association) PALMERSTON NORTH. Mr N. B. Holland has been elected unopposed as president of the New Zealand Jockeys’ Association for the 1970-71 season The vice-presidents are Messrs R. J. Skelton, G. F. Hughes and E. G. Low.